A planning inspector has begun his final considerations over whether to allow 1,600 new homes at Brighton Marina.

Martin Pike, who has been appointed by the Government to consider the scheme, has closed the public hearings over the proposals.

He will now spend several months considering evidence presented during weeks of hearings. He is expected to make a recommendation to Communities Secretary John Denham in March.

Mr Denham will then announce his final finding.

Mr Pike was called in after developers Explore Living appealed against Brighton and Hove City Council's rejection of their proposals for the homes in seven towers, along with shops and offices.

The development would have been at the site currently occupied by Asda at the west end of the marina.

Legal teams for the developers and council presented their cases during a six week hearing at the Brighton Centre's East Wing.

Mr Pike also heard evidence from residents and community groups and went on site visits.